Slow Cooker Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches

Dec 12, 2023Updated Jan 16, 2025

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This Slow Cooker Hot Roast Beef Sandwich recipe yields delicious fork tender roast beef and brown homemade gravy that can be used to make a classic open faced sandwich or served over potatoes, rice, and more. Your whole family is sure to vote this meal a definite keeper.

Use my Slow Cooker Cheesy Mashed Potatoes recipe to make a delicious bed for these hot beef sandwiches and these Slow Cooker Holiday Green Beans for a tasty side.

Gravy being poured over roast beef, mashed potatoes and toast.

Why you should try this hot roast beef sandwich recipe

This is the type of comfort food you would see on the menu at a local diner. In fact, I would order these Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches at Marie Callender’s when I worked there years ago. Marie Callender’s would often run these as a lunch special. You will also love my Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe! Or Marie Callender’s Potato Cheese Soup.

This meal is heaven on a plate. The bread is placed down (often Texas toast), then beef and gravy piled on, and always served with mashed potatoes. Great recipes like this are a must-share and are often considered a family favorite. Another beef recipe we love to make is Slow Cooker French Onion Pot Roast or these No Beef Tips.

Ingredients

Beef Roast: I use a bottom round beef roast for this recipe (also, called a rump roast). It shreds up nice and has way less fat to pick out before serving as a chuck roast does. We also use this cut in our slow cooker rump roast recipe.
Seasonings: Salt and pepper, as well as onion powder are the only seasonings you need.
Brown Gravy Packets: These help create amazing homemade gravy and add additional flavor to the overall meal.
Water: Adds the perfect amount of liquid for the cooking process to make gravy.
{The full recipe is in the recipe card below the images}

Variations

I do prefer a bottom-round roast for this recipe, but you can use a chuck roast or top-round.
Onions and mushrooms are great additions, but beware, both may make the gravy thinner, and you’ll need to add a cornstarch slurry.
You can double the recipe to easily make more gravy. For an extra kick in taste, use beef broth or beef stock instead of water.

Step-by-Step Directions

Three images showing how to add beef, seasonings and gravy mix to a slow cooker.

Step One – Place the roast into a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Sprinkle a small amount of salt, pepper, and onion powder onto the beef.

Step Two – In a small bowl whisk together the gravy packets and water until smooth.

Step Three – Pour broth mixture over the roast.

3 images showing how to shred hot roast beef sandwich meat.

Step Four – Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours.

Step Five – When the cooking time is done, remove roast and place it on a plate. Shred meat and discard any fat. Cover with foil to keep warm.

Step Six – De-grease the gravy in the slow cooker. Add the shredded roast beef back into the gravy. Serve immediately and enjoy!

shredded roast beef in gravy in a slow cooker.

How to serve

Serve the shredded beef and gravy over bread with a nice helping of mashed potatoes.
Corn, green beans, french fries, or green salad pair perfectly on the side.
This is also a great recipe to use for baked potatoes, egg noodles, or served over steamed white rice.

Gravy being pour over a hot roast beef sandwich.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to degrease the gravy?

I either do this by ladling off the grease with a spoon, or I take a paper towel and lay on top of the grease and pull off, the grease will come off on the paper towel, and the gravy will stay in the slow cooker.

Can I make the gravy thicker?

Yes. You can add a cornstarch slurry until your gravy reaches your desired consistency.

Do you put the frozen roast in the crockpot or thaw it out first before?

It’s best to thaw it out first for some studies show it is not safe to cook frozen meat in the slow cooker for the meat stays in the danger zone too long before it starts cooking.

How do I store leftovers?

Add any remaining beef and gravy to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve again, heat it over medium heat until warmed throughout. I would not go above medium high heat. Add a nice helping of leftover roast beef between two slices of white bread or any bread of your choice for a quick hot beef sandwich.

Can I cook this recipe on high for a quicker cook time?

Yes. I would cook it for at least 5 hours on HIGH.

Overhead shot of hot roast beef sandwiches on a plate.

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